The New Mexico Museum of Space History (NMMSH) is charged with collecting, researching, and preserving objects (artifacts and specimens) and documents related to its mission which is, in part, to educate the people of New Mexico, and its visitors from around the world, in the history, science, and technology of space.

The museum's Collections Management Program ensures proper accountability of the objects entrusted to its care, for the sake of posterity, and for the benefit of its constituents and clientele. This is accomplished through sound documentation; meticulous record keeping (i.e., accession/register/catalog acquisitions, process artifact loans, maintain log books, worksheets, computer files, deed of gift agreements, loan agreements, customs, insurance, condition reports, photographs, correspondence, etc.); collections-oriented research; artifact preservation/conservation; and strict compliance with the NMMSH Collections Management Plan policies/procedures and American Association of Museums (AAM) standards and guidelines